In the May 21st, 2003 issue of the Infopackets Gazette, I asked readers if they knew of a freeware document converter for MS Word .DOC files:

Word Perfect 2000 won't read MS Word documents?

Unfortunately, I did not receive many software suggestions. My guess is that most users have MS Word installed on their machines and have little need for such a conversion utility... thus the reason for low response.

Nevertheless -- Infopackets Reader Jim P. recommended (what appears to be) an excellent freeware replacement for MS Office, called 602 Pro PC Suite:

" You wanted to know if there is a program that can translate MS Word documents into other formats. The answer is: Yes.

602 Pro PC Suite is freeware. It contains four parts: 602 Text, 602 Tab, 620 Photo and 602 Album. I have found these programs are really good and rival Microsoft's programs. There is a detailed help file and I have found email support adequate for my needs.

PS: You have a good newsletter and I usually find something in it of value to me. Keep up the good work! "

From the Software602 web site, I found this short write-up:

" Fast. Compatible. Free. Three words that define today's user requirements for an office suite. 602Pro PC SUITE, the free alternative to Microsoft Office, has it all! The suite is composed of four full-featured applications: a word processor, spreadsheet, photo editor and photo organizer. "

Direct download link to 602Pro PC:

http://www.software602.com/download/

Thanks to all who wrote in!